There are so many ways to travel throughout Australia. One of the most budget-friendly and rewarding ways is to travel in a campervan hire. Of course, this also means that you have to find where to park and spend the night.
Fortunately for the budget-conscious traveler, there are places to freedom camp in Australia. Keep in mind that it is illegal to freedom camp in some places, so you’ll want to make sure that you are parking in places where you’re allowed. Camping where you’re not allowed can result in big fines which will contradict the whole point of traveling on a budget.
Don’t just park anywhere and think that it’s okay. You want to be responsible for the environment and respect the laws of the places that you visit. Different areas have different rules for freedom camping, so make sure to be aware of them before you park your vehicle.
To help you plan your itinerary and know where you can stay as you travel throughout the country, following are the top 5 freedom camping locations in Australia:
1.Bushy Parker Park
Bushy Parker Park is a great spot for freedom camping. You can stay at the campsite for up to 48 hours which will give you plenty of time to explore the area. You can enjoy swimming near the park in a creek nearby or simply spend the night while traveling in Queensland. The park is located near Townsville.
2. Mt. Franklin
If you plan on visiting Mount Franklin or anything in the area, the Mount Franklin Reserve Campground is a place where you can freedom camp. Because there is so much to do and see in the area, you can even make this camp site a destination in itself. From mountain biking to bushwalking and even opportunity for horseback riding, this is a great spot to visit with friends or family.
3. Notch Point
Budget-conscious travelers love this spot for freedom camping in a campervan hire. With water views and kangaroos nearby, it’s a fun place to set up a camp for a night or two. As far as enjoying a swim in the water, you may want to think twice as there are signs warning of possible crocs and sharks. It may not be the best location for a beach vacation, but it’s a great spot to park your campervan as you road trip through Queensland.
4. Long Beach
If you have a self-contained campervan, you’ll love camping at Long Beach in South Australia. How about waking up on the beach while traveling through South Australia—and doing it for free? It’s a favorite destination for surfers, making it ideal for the road tripping adventurer who wants to enjoy some time catching a break while also spending the night camping in paradise. There aren’t any signs-at the moment-warning you of sharks or crocodiles, so for the water lovers, Long Beach is a better choice than Notch Point.
5. Pamamaroo Lake, Menindee Lakes
Quite possibly one of the best places for freedom camping in Australia, Pamamaroo Lake is a favorite destination. Whether you are simply want to find a place to stay the night for free or you actually want to enjoy a unique destination, make sure to put Pamamaroo Lake on your list of places to visit.
You can get your own little waterfront spot to enjoy gorgeous sunsets. As a free campsite, it still provides some excellent features, such as bins for your trash, toilets, and you can also have a campfire if you so desire.
If you’re an outdoorsperson, you’ll love the fact that you can go fishing or kayaking on Pamamaroo Lake.
Save Money-Go Freedom Camping
Freedom camping isn’t the easiest to do. It takes time and research and travelers being extra careful with their belongings, waste, and requires a higher level of responsibility, but it surely is a great way to travel on Australia while on a budget. It’s also a great way to meet other like-minded travelers who want to enjoy the great outdoors while exploring some of Australia’s best destinations.
The above sites are great spots to help you get started while you’re traveling in the states mentioned. Of course, there are several other places where you can freedom camp.
Whether you download apps that let you know where you can freedom camp or get a map that highlights free campsites, finding and planning your road trip and stays ahead of time is possible. Check out Australian websites focused on the ins and outs of camping in the “Down Under.”
Traveling in a campervan hire in Australia is a great way to save some money while also getting to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re in Queensland or in South Australia, take some time to visit one of the campsites mentioned above. Happy camping!